Non-residents buying a car in Spain

Hi folks - any advice please.

Thanks to changes in flights to an airport nearer my house in Spain, I would like to buy a small run-around car.  This could potentially save on hire costs.

I've done some research and know I can't have a Spanish registered car as I'm not resident, and that it should be registered in the UK with the DVLA.  Has anyone done this and have any advice to offer on the process?  Many thanks.

Got to tell you Jane that there are shedloads of Brit non residents in Spain with Spanish plated cars - nevertheless somewhere else this has been covered quite extensively - the car will need to be taken back to the UK every year for its MOT in order to ensure the insurance is valid - then again how will your UK insurer consider the insurance if the car is permanently in Spain - there are some specialist insurers here but it is probably more straightforward to buy a Spanish plated car - added benefit of LHD too

Additionally i¡under the new regulations how does one determine non resident?

Cheers Smiley - owe you a pint !

I've seen a couple of cars, but been told that I must have NIE (that's ok) and be on the Padron.  I have no idea about that.  Will check with my solicitor.  There's no way I'd take a Spanish LHD car back to UK for a MOT.  Perhaps I could pay for it but have it registered with Spanish friends, maybe that would solve the problem ! 

Jane, I think Smiley thought you were bringing over a car from UK.  I assume you mean you want to buy one in Spain.

I think you have to have NIE and be on the padron to buy one (you can do both at the town hall).  Register first then buy your wheels, it shouldn't be a problem.

Thanks Justin - my fault for not making it clear.  yes I want to buy a small car in Spain.  I know I have NIE - not sure about Padron - will do as you say.  Crikey - I owe you a pint now too!!  Brains Bitter do you?

You should have no problem buying here Jane as long as you have NIE - does that mean you owe me two now? Guinness please - ice cold

Smiley - if you can get my hot tub going as well, I'll buy you a brewery !!

Would that mean I get to drink it all in your hot tub with you

Well of course - I'm sure jeansis, fibby and candyfloss would love to help out too ! 

Oy oy its party time -

This message was last edited by JeansSis on 5/17/2007.

WOT and spoil the fun with all that female attention, beer and a hot tub! I would think I had died and gone to heaven!

If I could drag you all out of the hot tub for a moment........
Is it posible to buy a car (in Spain) for some one else?
We have  non-res friends who have asked us to look out for a run-a-round for them.
Do you have to registar 'change of name' in person?
Thinking about it, our 1st Spanish car was delt with by the Gestor, so it must be pos to get it put into another name without the buyer being there!
So we would need........
Friends NIE and what?
Copy passport.
Enpadronamiento. (can/should you have this if not res.?)
Has any one done this?
Please spare me a moment out of the hot tub!
Regards,
Fiona

Fiona - you can't spoil a good hot tub party!!

Hope someone gives you a sensible reply soon!

Jane

Think it should be sufficient to have copies of their NIE & Passport. If you are going to do the paperwork for your friends, you may need some sort of written authorisation from them to do it on their behalf. By far the easiest would be to use a gestor.

Thank you Roberto,
We used the Gestor for our 1st car, it took 6 weeks! 2nd time round we did it ourselves, quick trip to 'traffico Tarrangona' bosh, bosh, job done with no fee to Gestor to pay! It's not that hard, IF you have ALL the paper work you need. It's just a case of knowing what paper work is needed.
Regards,
Fiona